29 March 2011 VOA News The Omani army has cleared a square in the northern industrial town of Sohar, where anti-government demonstrators have been holding protests.
Witnesses say soldiers moved in before dawn Tuesday and removed a small group of demonstrators who were holding a sit-in. Also, security force officers arrested several people linked to the protests.
Over the past month, Omanis have staged a series of demonstrations where they have rallied for economic reforms and a greater role in politics.
Sultan Qaboos bin Sa'id has announced a series of reforms in response to the protesters' demands. Earlier this month, he issued a decree granting lawmaking powers to councils that previously had only advisory roles.
He also ordered an increase in state pension benefits and payments for families receiving social security.
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